Raf’s is a French-Italian bakery offering a true dining room experience, complete with history and a touch of neighborhood charm. Up front, a marble counter displays baked goods and pastries for grab-and-go, while deeper inside the space opens into a bright, elegant dining room anchored by original wood-fired ovens from 1935. Those ovens now turn out Raf’s carefully crafted baked goods and their very thoughtful version of the burger.
The Burger: Dry-Aged Beef Burger (Tier 3). Gruyère, Tarragon Aioli, Capers, Sesame Roll. Cooked in their wood-fired oven to a chef-recommended medium-rare (though mine leaned rare), this is easily one of the juiciest burgers I’ve ever had. The massive dry-aged beef patty practically gushes, sending juices down my hand and arm with every bite. Flavor-wise, it’s bold and distinctive - the tarragon aioli is heavily layered on both the top and bottom buns, delivering a sharp, mustardy punch that dominates the profile. Tiny halved cornichons tucked onto the burger add a big crunch and satisfying mouthfeel. The sesame roll is toasted with a light char, holding up well against the sheer heft of it all.
Pro Tip: The burger is served during lunch and brunch only, with the last seating of the week approximately 15 minutes before closing and 30 minutes on Fridays. This is a substantial burger, especially for lunch, so be prepared to feel sluggish for the rest of the day. Beyond the burger, it’s practically mandatory to dabble in some baked goods - when in Rome, right? The Rosemary Chocolate Chip was soft and salty, and just what you want.
The Occasion & Vibe: Lunch Only. Raf’s offers a bright, elegant space that feels like a slice of Paris in NoHo. Up front, a marble counter showcases an array of pastries, with locals stopping by for baked goods to take away. Beyond the counter, the space opens into a true dining room, lined with brushed mirrors, beautiful mosaic-tiled floors, and a cozy bar area featuring a few small tables tucked in front and behind. The coffee and cocktail menus are elegantly displayed on finished panels above the bar. Toward the back, an open kitchen lets you peek at the original 1935 wood-fired ovens still in action.
The Location: NoHo, Elizabeth & Houston Streets.
